Recyclable Polyester Seam Tape for Mono-Material Garments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The recyclability of outerwear garments is limited due to non-recyclable seam tapes adhered with reactive polyurethane adhesive during the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
Development of multi-layer seam tapes, specifically two-layer or three-layer polyester seam tapes with a first polyester layer as a barrier and a second polyester layer as an adhesive, which can be applied without polyurethane reactive adhesive, allowing for mono-material garments that can be recycled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reactive polyurethane adhesive is used to adhere seam tape to garment, then bonding strength is improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reactive polyurethane adhesive from the seam tape structure, extracting the harmful element that prevents recyclability. The seam tape consists solely of polyester layers without any polyurethane adhesive content, allowing the garment to be recycled while maintaining bonding through alternative means such as heat activation or mechanical interlocking during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the adhesive layer from polyurethane-based to polyester-based. This parameter change eliminates the incompatibility with recycling processes while maintaining the necessary bonding function. The adhesive layer is now composed of the same polyester material as the garment, enabling seamless integration and recycling.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional single-layer seam tape is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seam tape into multiple functional layers: a barrier layer (first polyester layer) and an adhesive layer (second polyester layer). This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally - the barrier layer provides protection and structural integrity, while the adhesive layer provides bonding capability - thereby improving overall functionality while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through co-extrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite seam tape structure combining multiple polyester layers with different properties. The barrier layer and adhesive layer are both polyester but with different molecular weights and properties, creating a composite material that integrates both protective and bonding functions in a single unified structure that can be manufactured efficiently.
3Reliability
If polyurethane adhesive is used for seam tape application, then bonding reliability is improved, but environmental impact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using polyester material for both the seam tape structure and the adhesive layer. This homogeneous material system eliminates the need for polyurethane adhesive, reducing environmental harm while maintaining bonding reliability through the inherent properties of polyester adhesives that bond effectively with polyester garments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of requiring strong bonding (which would necessitate polyurethane adhesive) into a benefit by using polyester adhesive that bonds equally well but is environmentally friendly. The bonding reliability requirement is met through optimized polyester adhesive formulation rather than through polyurethane chemistry, turning an environmental problem into a solution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the creation of recyclable outerwear garments by using seam tapes that bond effectively with the fabric without reactive adhesives, enhancing the recyclability and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a second polyester layer as an adhesive layer comprising a first resin, wherein the first resin has a high molecular weight, and a second resin, wherein the second resin has a low molecular weight
Implementation Method 2
The first polyester layer may include a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. In one embodiment, the first polyester layer comprises a thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer (TPEE)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are monomaterial garments and seam tapes that may be recyclable and methods of producing the same.